Big Three: Classic Greek Dips You Need to Try (and How to Make Them at Home)

No Greek table is complete without a trio of bold, creamy, and utterly addictive spreads. In this post, we’ll share the traditional recipes for Tzatziki, Tyrokafteri, and Melitzanosalata — the holy trinity of Greek dips — straight from our cookbook Cook like a Greek.

These beloved meze dishes are staples in every Greek kitchen, and if you're visiting Athens, you’ll also find them on our table at the Greek Feast experience — prepared fresh with local ingredients and served with warm pita and a view of the Acropolis.

🥒 1. Tzatziki – Yogurt based dip with strong garlic flavor

Creamy, garlicky, and refreshing, Tzatziki is the ultimate dip for grilled meats, veggies, or just as a snack on its own.

Ingredients:

• 500gr Yogurt

• 2 Cucumbers

• 8 Garlic cloves

• 30ml Olive oil

• 20ml Vinegar

• Salt & pepper

• Dill (optional)

Directions:Mix yogurt with grated cucumber, garlic, oil, and vinegar. Adjust seasoning. Chill before serving.

Traditional tzatziki dip with cucumber and dill

🌶️ 2. Tyrokafteri – Hot cheese-based dip

This fiery favorite combines feta with a kick of chili, perfect for those who love bold flavors.

Ingredients:

• 400gr Feta cheese

• 50 gr Yogurt

• 3 Sweet Red Peppers

• 60 ml Olive oil

• 30ml Vinegar

• Chili flakes

• Pepper

Directions:Blend all ingredients until creamy but still a bit chunky. Serve with crusty bread or grilled meats.

Spicy tyrokafteri made with feta and roasted red pepper

🍆 3. Melitzanosalata – The Smoky Eggplant Dip

Earthy and rustic, this dip brings out the best of chargrilled eggplant.

Ingredients:

• 4-5 Eggplants (1cup roasted and strained) 

• ½cup Mayonnaise

• ½cup Yogurt

• 1 Sweet Red Pepper

• 4-5 Garlic cloves

• 60gr Walnuts

• ¼cup Onion

• 1tbsp.Vinegar

• Parsley

• Salt & Pepper

Directions:Scoop out the flesh of the eggplants, mash with garlic, lemon, oil, and herbs. Adjust to taste.

Greek eggplant dip melitzanosalata served with pita bread

🍽️ Taste Them Where They Belong: Join Our Greek Feast in Athens

Want to taste these traditional dips the way they were meant to be enjoyed? Join our Greek Feast — a one-of-a-kind dinner experience in a local Athenian home, just minutes from the city center.

It’s not just a dinner — it’s a celebration of Greek hospitality.

Our Greek Feast Table

📖 Recreate Greece at Home with Cook like a Greek

If you can’t join us in Athens just yet, you can still bring Greece to your kitchen.

👉 Grab our cookbook Cook like a Greek — featuring 30+ step by step recipes, chef tips, and the stories behind our favorite dishes.

Our Cookbook